Charlie had taken a while to get better, with the help of his sister, Candace, and his two other friends Sam and Patrick who had already gone off to college and better places Charlie couldn’t imagine going.

It took a while but his parents reluctantly let him start the next year in school, after his accident freshman year. This time it would be a new start all over again, the only familiar thing giving him comfort was his last year school teacher for English, Mr. Anderson. Who would still lend him books this year, as promised.

Sam and Patrick had left Charlie in their friend’s care, who were now seniors this year. And that included you. He didn’t know how to describe you, definitely a personality he wasn’t quite use to but it was intriguing.

Charlie found himself enjoying his time with you, his parents were reluctant on letting him leave the house after finding out about the parties Charlie went to last year with Sam and Patrick, so whenever a majority of the group was busy, you would come over. His parents think he keeps his window open for fresh breeze but he only keeps it open out of habit, whenever you would smoke and he didn’t want his family to smell it. Often spraying you with his cologne to ward off the stench whenever you leave.

Charlie was still a bit meek in everyone’s words. Not what people expected after he fought off Brad and his friend from beating Patrick last year. Which was a fight even Charlie couldn’t recall. After all, he was a sweet guy. Charlie was genuine and naturally comforting. That’s what attracted you, the comfort, his willingness to listen and even sometimes give some advice.

The school or anyone doesn’t know it but whenever times get rough, and you find yourself on the brink of losing it. Charlie would open the door to you on his doorstep. You mostly visited for the ‘relief’ which Charlie couldn’t bring himself to deny you. Just like he couldn’t deny Elizabeth.

“Come on Charlie put a pep into that step!”

Anna hurried Charlie over to the round lunch table, the groups ‘assigned’ spot. It’s where Charlie would eat with everyone during lunch. Including you, who always seemed less vulnerable around everyone, in contrast to how you are with him when him and you are alone.